Description

Cougar Vineyard and Winery Summary

Set along the picturesque "De Portola Wine Trail" in Southern California's Temecula Valley, Cougar Vineyard and Winery stands as a testament to family-owned, detail-oriented winemaking. This boutique winery brings its rich history and devotion to crafting fine Italian varietal wines right into the heart of Temecula.

History and Background

Cougar Vineyard & Winery's journey began over 25 years ago in Texas under challenging conditions, proving their dedication to winemaking early on. Following a move to Seattle and later Fallbrook, California, founders honed their craft, eventually planting signature Italian grape varietals in Temecula in 2005. Since then, Cougar Vineyard became a bonded winery in 2004 and has continuously expanded its vine planting and wine varieties, emphasizing estate-made wines with a commitment to quality.

Vineyard Details and Wine Production

• Cougar Vineyard focuses on 100% Estate Italian varietals, ensuring that control and consistency are maintained from soil to bottle.
• Approximately 17 family acres are cultivated, producing a diverse array of grapes including Sangiovese, Aglianico, Montepulciano, and others.
• Estate-grown grapes account for 95% of their production, with the rest sourced from equally meticulous vineyards.
• Winemaker Rick, with over 30 years of experience, ensures that each wine reflects its varietal characteristics uniquely tailored to the Temecula climate.

Visitor Information and Experiences

• Location: 39870 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592
• Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Offerings: Visitors can enjoy tastings, including a delightful array of deli foods paired excellently with their wines. From enthusiastic testimonials, the peach sangria-like beverage with a touch of carbonation comes highly recommended.
• Additional Experiences: The winery often hosts events and offers educational opportunities that users can learn about through subscribing to their newsletters.

Notable Wines or Specialties

Cougar Vineyard has earned acclaim for a variety of wines:

• The Sangiovese comes highly praised as a fan favorite.
• Other specialties include Malbec, a unique peach sangria, and a selection of robust Italian reds and crisp whites.
• Wines are celebrated for not only capturing the essence of Italian grape varietals but also for adapting them exceptionally well to the Southern California terroir.

Contact Information

• Phone: (951) 491-0825
• Please feel welcome to reach out directly for bookings, event schedules, or any wine purchasing inquiries.

Cougar Vineyard and Winery combines the passion of a family-run business with the sophistication of true Italian winemaking artistry in Temecula's stunning wine country. As they say, great wine starts in the vineyard, and at Cougar Vineyard, this philosophy is brought to life with every vintage.